After the Second World War

Introduction

After the Second World War, most countries that have been under the colonial yoke and some that were under neo-colonial rule started strong movements for liberation. Many of these nations were from South America and Africa. In Latin America it was slightly different for the reason that these countries that were under Spanish and Portuguese had attained their independencies even before the first world. Nevertheless the rulers who had taken power from the colonial masters started ruling with iron fists that is tyrannical or dictatorial rule. Due to these dictatorships some left minded people rose against these neo-colonials in the form of revolutions. In this paper, the revolutionaries will be discussed, the benefits of revolutions in the entire South America and what the United States of America has contributed to the South Americans.

Latin American Revolution

In the entire world, Latin or South America is known of its revolutions which have changed the social and economical lives of many of these countries. Many prominent personalities or better call them revolutionaries like Bolivar and Che Guevara are ever remembered and have into the history books in leading very successful revolutionaries from one country to another in south America and Cuba being a role model in revolutions. (Perez, 342) notes that, “Cuba is still widely admired for its social achievements and its valiant resistance to US hostility” So, some people may wander about what is a revolution but in simple terms it is a dramatic violent or sometimes non violent political and social change in a country or a number of countries. Latin American countries have been colonized by the Portuguese and the Spaniards. The indigenous more of the slave descendants fought bloody wars for independence which at last they attained. The fall and defeat of these colonial masters had been augmented by the rise of napoleon in France and his influence in Europe especially when he invaded Portugal and Spain.

After attainment of independence, it was not the end of social political and economical suffering and sabotage but most of the rulers turned out to be tyrants. This trend continued up to the years 1990s until today Colombia is not settled but it is at war with revolutionaries. Due to dictatorships, a few individuals organized uprisings which were successful and at last there has been a glimmer of democracy. Almost if not absolutely all the countries in the South America continent which includes the Caribbean islands have undergone a revolution. Starting from Haiti through Cuba, the revolutionaries were bloody and these are the countries that assisted the entire region to stage these revolutions. Cuba is well known and recognized for aiding revolutions in Latin America and even the hero Che Guevara’s remains had to be excavated from Bolivia and be given respectful and full national burial in Cuba. “Cuba represents the real Due to social achievements neo-liberalism has been accepted in Latin America and more especially Chile. In Chile it was better known as the popular unity which had been introduced by Allende. The popular united got this designation for the reason that it combined or was a coalition of traditional parties and the Marxist theory. However, yet the neo-liberalism has not been very successful in Chile as it faces fierce opposition and constant fear of a revolution because South America up to date is a melting pot of political revolutionaries. Communism has had some part to play because it had brought rivalries in Chile. The other problems that Chile is undergoing are the strikes and economical sabotage done by businesses. With neo-liberalism in Chile, it has been to elect leader with clear majorities hence the opposition is powerful even in the legislative assemblies rendering the president unable to rule. However, these are the negative sides of neo-liberalism. Moreover, the opposition experienced is a sign of democracy because in the insurgency of revolutionaries occurring frequently has been thwarted because people can now speak their minds out. (Smith, Acuna and Gamarra, 146) note that, “Chile’s democracy faced harsh challenges like planting a democracy that protect liberty and changing from military power peacefully and by the respect of the constitution”.

The United States of America has historical roots with Latin America because the Spanish had also occupied many parts both south and north. However, its interference both militarily and the use of CIA to topple the Latin American dictatorial regime is only a way of checking and monitoring the political trends so that they do not interfere with its operations. America is also eyeing the minerals in the south hence it must use force or diplomacy where necessary to reach these minerals.

Conclusion

The history of Latin America is a long winding one with rapid and frequent revolutions. But Chile has come through these revolutions with great achievement even though many of its citizens are poor. Her economy is among the best in Latin America and socialism has indeed taken root with a good precedent in democracy. In any economy there must be a strong middle class which Chile as achieved rapidly compared to other countries in this region which are always lagging behind economically. Her democratic status is commendable due to free and fair elections which many of her neighbors are unable to promote and respect. The constitution of Chile which was approved and passed in 1980 so far is superb and it has created a democratic space whereby there is a provision of runoffs to avoid minority governments. Chile under pressure from neighbors and international eyes to spoil her democratic changes has emerged successfully.